News

The 12th EU sanctions package against Russia adopted on 18 December imposes significant restrictions. It was agreed to ban the import, purchase or transfer of Russian diamonds and the provision of software services intended for business management, industrial design and manufacturing.

The existing prohibition of crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian persons and residents of Russia will be expanded, including the ban on Russian nationals and natural persons residing in Russia from owning or controlling, or holding any posts in the governing bodies of, legal persons, entities or bodies providing such services.

It should be noted that the new sanctions package strengthens the responsibility of EU exporters by requiring contracts to include clauses in the shipment of goods to third countries that oblige the buyers not to export the sensitive goods and technologies they are purchasing to Russia or for use in Russia.

The list of dual-use goods and technologies and the list of goods contributing to Russia's military and technological development or the development of the country's defence and security sector were expanded to include goods from the laser sector, machinery and parts, chemicals, and thermostats. 

Restrictions are now imposed on the import of goods from which Russia derives significant revenues, such as liquefied petroleum gas, pig iron and ferrous products, copper and aluminium wires, pipes and tubes.

The practical application of restrictions on vehicles crossing the EU's external border has been clarified.

The ban on transit through Russian territory of certain goods and technologies exported from the EU has been extended to include the goods that contribute to the strengthening of the country's industrial capacity. 

This new sanctions package also expands the list of sanctioned entities to include 147 additional entities – 61 individuals and 86 companies.

More information on the new sanctions package is available here.